The Future of Tennis

I have seen it, and it is called Novak Djokovic.

He is the youngest remaining player in the men's draw (and was the second youngest after Milos among all that made the 4th round).

We have been speaking about a dearth of young talent, but Novak seems to have flown unnoticed under the radar.  Not only will he be the youngest player in the QF (if he gets there) but - even more shockingly - you could not tell it from the way he plays.  At the tender age of 26, he already plays like he belongs among the very best.  If he can play like this now, what glorious future must await him as he ripens into a fully mature player.

With a youngster like this, I am glad that I no longer have to worry about the up-and-coming men's talent.

  I've heard of another player who's only a week older, who can play a bit as well  

His net play isn't very good and his smash is terrible. I can't see him challenging for the biggest titles.

HM Murdoch wrote:His net play isn't very good and his smash is terrible. I can't see him challenging for the biggest titles.

We're not talking about Raonic  

This young Djokovic chap may be very good, but to impress me he needs to develop some sort of catchy post-match entertainment.

Like biting trophies or crying?  

CaledonianCraig wrote:Like biting trophies or crying?  

 
I was thinking more of an extravagent West End-style dance routine* flanked by Vegas showgirls**

* weird disco dance
** ball girls

I would like to see Djokovic do the worm if he wins the title.

I'd like to see Rafa doing a raunchy Argentine Tango with Juan Martin Del Potro or better still Dave Nalbandian.

Yet Novak is apparently approaching the end of his slam winning years according to some on here.

There seems to be a fairly clear picture being built up that the demands of modern tennis are moving the tennis players' peak to around 26-31. I haven't checked but I suspect every player left in the tournament falls within that band.